UFC veteran Dustin 'The Diamond' Poirier has officially announced his farewell bout in the world of mixed martial arts, setting up a high-profile clash against former featherweight champion Max Holloway. The UFC confirmed today that this marquee matchup will headline UFC 318 in New Orleans, Louisiana on July 18th.
Poirier, a Louisiana native, made the announcement during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, expressing his desire to end his storied career in his home state. "We're going back to New Orleans. UFC returns there on July 18th and it will be my final fight. I'm going to leave my gloves on the octagon where everything began for me, the entire journey started there," Poirier stated. "I'm proud to leave the UFC in the same place where I started and in the state of Louisiana. On July 19th, Max Holloway and I will fight five rounds in the main event, for his 'BMF' title. Max is a legend, I asked for legends only and there's no better guy."
This contest represents a significant rematch between two elite fighters who previously faced off in 2019, when Poirier emerged victorious in a battle for the interim lightweight championship. According to Statbet analysis, their first encounter ranked among the top five lightweight bouts of the past decade based on significant strikes landed.
Holloway, who recently lost to current UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, will be looking to avenge his previous defeat while Poirier aims to cap off his remarkable career with one final victory. The five-round lightweight contest will feature Holloway's 'BMF' (Baddest Mother F***er) belt on the line.
Fight fans worldwide are already marking their calendars for what promises to be an emotional and action-packed farewell to one of the most respected competitors in UFC history. The New Orleans setting provides the perfect backdrop for Poirier's final walk to the octagon, bringing his professional journey full circle in front of his home state supporters.
